Spaying & Neutering

More than 70,000 puppies and kittens are born each day in the United States, and though some find loving homes, many contribute to the more than 7.5 million unwanted animals in the country.

Unwanted animals lead lives of misery, privation, disease and neglect. Others are spared this torture only by being euthanized in animal shelters throughout the country.

The easiest and most effective way to correct the tragic situation is for pet owners to do their part to control the animal population by spaying or neutering all pets.

In addition to reducing the number of unwanted animals in shelters and dangerous strays in the streets, spayed and neutered animals are happier, healthier pets. Males fight less and do not roam as much, greatly reducing the risks of being hit by cars. Females do not go into heat, they don’t have to be closed in and they are less likely to develop uterine infections and mammary cancer.

Owners who do not wish to complete the procedure for their pets must obtain an Intact Pet Permit. Download an application form for more information.

About the procedure

Spaying is the operation performed to remove the reproductive organs from a female, while neutering means to remove the reproductive organs from a male.

Most veterinary offices will spay or neuter your pet, and many veterinarians also offer a new neutering option for male dogs that uses chemical sterilization drugs and avoids surgery.

You can also find out about low-cost spay or neuter programs in the Metroplex by contacting one of the following agencies: